For immediate release
Contact:
Lesley Gottschalk, Marketing Director, PK Companies
1784 Hamilton Rd., Okemos, MI 48864
Mobile (517) 927-9795
Fire breaks out at senior living apartments in Algonac, all evacuated safely
ALGONAC, MI – November 21, 2021 – A fire broke out at Rolling Brook Senior Living Apartment complex, at 1500 Fruit Street near State Street in Algonac, MI on Thursday, November 18th at about 11:50 am. Initially, a resident, a guest, and a staff member worked to get everyone evacuated. Emergency response, involving several agencies, arrived on the property within minutes, but they battled strong winds that carried the fire to and through the building. The fire was in E building, which contained 26 apartments and the office. 24 households were displaced. At least one pet succumbed in the fire. Two fire fighters had minor injuries and have since recovered.
Residents were bussed to the Algonac Lions Club on Mill St. for shelter, warmth, and food.
The roof collapsed on the E building and it is a total loss. The other two apartment buildings, garage and shed were unharmed. Assisting fire departments include: City of Algonac, Clay Township, Ira Township, Marine City, St. Clair, Marysville, Kimball Township, Port Huron Township & City of Port Huron. The following other agencies offered their assistance: Tri Hospital EMS, St. Clair County Emergency Management, Clay Township Police, Michigan State Police & St. Clair County Sheriff.
Rolling Brook is managed by PK Housing & Management (PK) out of Okemos, MI.
The investigation into the fire is underway.
“Rolling Brook staff is in the process of meeting with each resident to provide information regarding local apartments with availability. For residents who need permanent rehousing, we are working closely with other management companies and apartment communities in the area find apartment homes that best fit our resident’s needs, based on pricing, location, availability, and more. Each resident will also be provided with a Letter of Priority Entitlement or LOPE letter from USDA rural development that will put them at the top of any rural development community waiting list based, on the horrible disaster they have endured. They will also be able to take any rental assistance that was provided to them at Rolling Brook with them to the new property if they qualify. Rolling Brook staff is working around the clock to be sure each resident is connected to any resources or community organizations that can help them on the road to recovery during this terrible time, said director of property management at PK Housing & Management,” Marea Powell. “Our hearts go out to each and every one of these families.”
PK is in the process of working with their insurance company and the property owners to discuss what will happen next with the building. They do expect to rebuild but cannot completely confirm this or provide a time frame at this time. PK and Rolling Brook staff will continue to pass along information regarding the building and construction as it becomes available. PK Housing & Management will be in contact with any resident that is interested in returning to their apartment home after rebuilding, once they have all those details.
The Algonac Lions Club is no longer accepting clothing or food donations, but continue to accept cash or gift cards. Jake Skarbek, Algonac City Council member and Lions Club member, is spearheading a fundraiser on Saturday, December 11th from 2 pm to 12 am, which will offer food, prizes, and raffles. They are accepting sponsorships and baskets for the raffles. All access tickets will be $100 and include food, drinks & door prizes. More ticket pricing options will be announced soon. The event’s goal is to raise $5,000 per resident.
Algonac Rotary is collecting cash donations and will partner with the Algonac Lions to get the money to the residents. Checks can be mailed to Algonac Rotary, PO Box 42, Algonac MI 48001. Donors can also take cash or checks directly to Northstar Bank and request that they deposit the funds into Algonac Rotary for Rolling Brook.
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About PK Companies – PK Companies (“PK”) is a family-owned group of real-estate companies based in Okemos, Michigan. PK began as a property management firm but has grown to include a construction company and development group. They currently represent communities in California, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Alabama, and Texas. PK is committed to creating partnerships that provide housing solutions to better fulfill the needs of our communities. They strive to add value to the areas we serve and enrich the lives of our residents. Through our comprehensive strategy, we purchase, develop and manage properties that offer opportunities for creative housing solutions.